Innehållsförteckning för September 2023 från Ideal Home

EDITOR’S LETTER I’ve been distracted by the garden and the joys of outdoor living over the summer, and any jobs inside the house have been conveniently forgotten. Top of the list is giving the rooms a good deep-clean (I love a September reset), then tackling the piles of clutter and mess that have gathered in the usual problem areas. Our understairs cupboard goes from organised to a disaster zone in a matter of minutes (or so it seems!). Inspired by the feature on how to plan the perfect entrance (see page 48), I want to make our entrance and hallway (narrow, awkward and dark) work harder and look better. I’ll start with the front door, which I’ve been meaning to paint since we moved in nearly three years ago, but…

'What the experts say... Designers and stylists share their views ‘A warm off-white like linen creates an inviting glow, especially in natural light. It’s a great base for swapping decorative details as your taste (or the seasons) shift. Layer with natural leather, wood and stone for a modern, rustic feel.’ HELEN SHAW, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, BENJAMIN MOORE ‘The best way to identify if an off-white is warm or cool is to contrast it with pure brilliant white. Test the colour in the space you’re intending to use it in and monitor how it looks throughout the day, as different lights will emphasise different tones.’ ANNIE SLOAN, COLOUR AND PAINT EXPERT ‘Warm off-whites with hints of yellow and green work best in dark, north-facing rooms, introducing warmth to a space that…

There’s plenty of truth in the saying ‘first impressions count’, especially when it comes to our homes. Whether you’ve an elaborate porch or a tiny hallway, a straight path lined with neat blooms or a doormat that simply says ‘hello’, turn your attention to your entrance and boost your home’s looks, with help from our experts. We asked an interior designer, a furniture specialist and a storage expert to share their top tips… THE APPROACH ‘First impressions are important, especially when it comes to the entrances to our homes,’ says Becky. ‘The very first thing visitors see is your front garden – try planting some pretty flowers. If you have a smaller space, adding some pots next to the front door or planters on the windowsill can make all the…

OUR JUDGING PANEL HEATHER YOUNG EDITOR IN CHIEF GINEVRA BENEDETTI DEPUTY EDITOR MATT BOLTON MANAGING EDITOR, ENTERTAINMENT AT TECHRADAR BEST SOFA WINNER SNUG Small Biggie three-seater sofa ‘This cleverly designed sofa is perfect for compact living spaces. It’s super comfy and you can add extra sections to it whenever you want.’ HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR IN CHIEF HIGHLY COMMENDED SOFA.COM; BARKER AND STONEHOUSE BEST LIVING ROOM STORAGE WINNER DIY ALCOVE CABINETS Alcove cabinets, wardrobes, bookcases and media units ‘These made-to-measure kits allow you to create a bespoke look for your living space at a brilliantly affordable price. A clear winner.’ GINEVRA BENEDETTI, DEPUTY EDITOR HIGHLY COMMENDED SHELVED BEST FLOORING WINNER KERSAINT COBB Folded Angle natural flooring collection ‘We love the subtle chevron designs in this smart, classic collection. They add a…

“We’ve always loved NORDIC style and our GOAL was to build a house that was light-filled and UNCLUTTERED with a CALM and welcoming vibe”SUE CALDWELL, HOMEOWNER HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Sue Caldwell, a retired designer, lives here with her husband. The house is used for location shoots and she documents her interiors on @talltrees.and.scandidreams. THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom, Scandinavian-inspired detached new build in Shropshire, with an open-plan kitchen and living space. THE LAYOUT The double-height hallway leads to an open-plan L-shaped living/dining area and kitchen, with utility room. Upstairs is a galleried landing, three bedrooms and two bathrooms; the main bedroom has a dressing room and en suite. A living room on the first floor has views of the Shropshire hills. Seven years ago, Sue Caldwell and her husband…

PROJECT DETAILS WHO LIVES HERE? Emma Burton and her husband Adam with their children Sebastian, four, and Emilia, two, and dog Eugene. THE PROJECT A kitchen extension in a Victorian semi-detached house in south-east London. TOTAL COST £36,000 THE PROBLEM Our kitchen was old and damp, had no heating and needed full rewiring THE SOLUTION ‘When we bought the house the kitchen hadn’t been touched for 30 years. We added a side return and rear extension, and dug down 30cm to increase head height. Our style evolved while decorating the house and it’s always a collaboration – I like plain and minimal; Adam prefers big, bold and lots of colour. I also try to bring a feeling of the outdoors in with natural materials and colours. Complications with the building…

HOME NOTES HOMEOWNERS Craig and Kirsty Lynagh live here with their two young sons. PROPERTY A four-bedroom Georgian bungalow near Portobello beach in Edinburgh. ARCHITECT Konishi Gaffney Architects konishigaffney.com TOTAL COST £172,000 THE PROBLEM The rear of the house had a complicated layout with a decaying 1980s conservatory that obscured the garden view THE SOLUTION ‘I viewed the house with Craig and Kirsty before they bought it,’ says architect Kieran Gaffney. ‘As it was listed, they were worried they couldn’t do much to it. But I advised there was an opportunity to improve and extend within the planning parameters and their budget. We took a clean, modern design approach and the final design was viewed sympathetically by planners. A long, narrow corridor and large bathroom separated the front part of…

BEFORE YOU BUY ■ Sofa beds come in two main types: those with a pull-out mattress and concertina bed frame that folds up and is hidden underneath the removable sofa seat cushions; and click-clack models, where the sofa seat and backrest fold flat and lock into position (with a click-clack sound) to become the sleeping surface. Each has its pros and cons that are worth considering. ■ Pull-out styles look the most like a sofa and tend to be more expensive. The backrest and arms generally remain in place, meaning the bed takes up quite a lot of floor space when unfolded. ■ The bed frame of a pull-out sofa lifts the mattress well away from the floor, so this design can be more comfortable for less agile overnight guests.…

“Almost maintenance free, the range comes with a lifetime guarantee” Eco alternative Looking for eco flooring that isn’t timber? Check out The Wood Flooring Company’s No-Vinyl tile. Offering the practical, 100% waterproof finish that a LVT (luxury vinyl tile) can offer, together with the convenience of click installation, the range doesn’t have the layers of PVC that are used to make LVT, making the No-Vinyl tile a far greener option. It’s available in a choice of 10 timber-look finishes, from warm oak to pale ash, all made from 90% renewable, 100% recyclable polypropylene that’s both BPA and PVC free. PICTURE PERFECT We all take photos on our phones these days that never seem to make it to print (and onto our walls). While there are plenty of companies online that…

MATT SIBERRY STYLE & TRENDS EXPERT As head of home at Pinterest, Matt is perfectly placed to spot the trends based on what we’re all searching for on Pinterest. NICKY PHILLIPS INTERIOR STYLIST & DESIGNER Nicky is a master of colour when it comes to decorating your home, from full room redos to easy tweaks. KALPANA FITZPATRICK MONEY EXPERT An award-winning financial journalist, Kalpana is a regular guest on TV and radio, and editor of moneyweek.com. SARAH RAVEN GARDEN EXPERT Sarah is a gardener, teacher and writer, and her monthly Ideal Home column is packed with advice and inspiration for small gardens. THE HOME OF GREAT IDEAS FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS…

STYLE DIRECTION“Create an elegant feel with a statement piece such as a stunning chandelier in an understated space"HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR IN CHIEF STYLE DIRECTION“Balance shades of cream and grey with chocolate and coffee, adding deeper tan tones to enrich the look"GINEVRA BENEDETTI, DEPUTY EDITOR PICK A PATTERN When you’re thinking about pattern, bear in mind you don’t have to choose a check, a floral or a stripe; pattern can also be found in natural elements, such as in a stone or marble surface, in a wool or linen weave, and even in the wood grain of timber. It’s a pleasingly understated way to enhance a scheme. COMBINE OLD WITH NEW Check out local antiques markets for second-hand or vintage finds that will sit comfortably with the look. An eclectic array…

Set up a spot under the stairs The perfect place to pop a desk, especially under an open staircase. The tones of pale wood complement the staircase, while black accessories tie in with the industrial feel. Give it a twist... Attach hanging plants to the underside of the stair risers to create a pretty display. Add a simple plywood surface Maximise work space by building a desk from one wall to another, so several family members can work alongside each other. Include open storage for paper, pens and pads. Give it a twist... Add a matching upstand but leave enough space to tuck postcards or notes into it. Build a creative nook Opt for a multifunctional space in a bedroom by constructing a desk in an alcove. Drawers can double…

WHERE TO BUY I’m handmade from sustainable bamboo…

FAMILY HOME “The OPEN-PLAN ground floor means we can change the furniture around often, while the DOUBLE-HEIGHT section with large windows adds a sense of DRAMA”PIRKKO ALANEN, HOMEOWNER HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Pirkko Alanen, 40, a marketing manager, lives here with her husband Pasi, 42, an entrepreneur, and their children Erkka, seven, Okko, five, and Renne, three. THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom detached self-build house in Maununneva, Helsinki, completed in 2019. THE LAYOUT The ground floor has a dining, kitchen and living space leading to a glass walled terrace, with a boiler/boot room behind the kitchen. Four bedrooms are located upstairs, with a dressing room and small balcony to the main bedroom. A sauna/shower room, WC and laundry room has access to a larger balcony. Building a house when you…

PROJECT DETAILS WHO LIVES HERE? Ellie Rowley-Conwy and her partner Oliver live here with their cats, Teddy and Maggie. THE PROJECT Revamping the existing bathroom in a two-bedroom Victorian terrace in Leicester. TOTAL COST £11,000 THE PROBLEM The bathroom had two basins and a roll-top bath but was beige and bare THE SOLUTION ‘When we moved in it felt like the bathroom had a lot of potential – it was just very plain and boring. We wanted to do more with it and when we began to spend some money on the house, this was where we decided to start. This is our first house and we had very little experience and no DIY skills, so we asked Joel LaRosa (joellarosadesign.co.uk) to help. He managed the whole project, was…

Whether you’re looking for a quirky bookcase to fit into an awkward alcove or would like to optimise your storage solutions to suit your home, bespoke joinery could be the answer. Made-to-measure designs maximise the potential of your space and create standout items that are one of a kind. You probably don’t need telling that bespoke joinery is generally more expensive than ready-made furniture. Knowing what the bespoke approach can offer will help you justify spending the extra cash, if you decide to. WHAT IS BESPOKE JOINERY? ‘Bespoke joinery is any type of timber structure that is created to specific requirements and sizes to fit an individual space,’ explains Tim Warren, joinery expert at Adkwik (adkwik.co.uk). It involves building customised timber items from scratch, to suit the unique dimensions, position…

Simple small dining room ideas Struggling with low ceilings, awkward angles or a narrow area? We have the solutions! Best cordless vacuum cleaners Make chores easy and convenient with this tried-and-tested list of the best cordless vacuums that the Ideal Home team can’t live without. How to clean a washing machine Follow our step-by-step guide on how to get your washing machine spotless to ensure it cleans your clothes brilliantly and efficiently. 24 bedroom colour ideas for spaces big and small Looking for a calm and quiet look for your bedroom, or a personality-packed, bold and vibrant vibe? We’ve gathered all the latest trends and ideas out there, from our favourite colour pairings and combinations, to help you choose your ultimate dream scheme. “Loads of money-saving and storage ideas, perfect…

It’s good to start preparing a few mini indoor pots to decorate window ledges, shelves and tables and make our houses colourful and fragrant in time for Christmas. Hyacinths in particular take their time and should be planted soon, followed by the galloping-grower, the paperwhite daffodil. It’s also worthwhile having a walk around the garden to pick seedheads before they get blown and broken. My favourite garden-harvested indoor decorations are allium seedheads, of almost any size, left natural for the autumn and then sprayed either crimson or silver for Christmas. SINGLE HYACINTHS In terms of forcing bulbs, let’s start with the simplest: just a few hyacinth bulbs in glass forcers. You can buy tailor-made forcers, but any narrow bottle where you can jam a bulb in the neck is fine.…

STYLE STATEMENT Indulge in nature Luxury and nature might seem unlikely companions, but the biophilic trend has been given a glam update with Nature Luxe from DFS. Blending easily to create an indulgent sense of wellbeing, the collection features tactile velvet dining chairs and a table in marble and restorative slate tones. Don’t miss the lush bouclé sofa in a soothing forest green, while the dark wood drinks cabinet with gold details will add an opulent layer to your scheme. IH LOVES... Hippy vibes Rattan flower mirror, £35, John Lewis & Partners What to do this month... DO Join textile designer and printmaker Molly Mahon on one of her block-printing workshops to learn a fabulous new skill and take home your creation. The sessions are held in various locations; the…

The autumn equinox is underrated. Yes, the sunshine goes, and the excitement of summer plans might fade, but September is the best month for a reset and for achieving your goals. Whether you’re returning from holiday and back to work, or with kids back at school and university, it’s time to get organised. Storage solutions and smart design will help you refresh your home with ease. There’s definitely a better place for the mountain of toys, shoes don’t have to sit in a pile, and there’s a quick fix for the mop falling out of the cupboard again. That said, the rules of interior design do apply when it comes to storage, too. Think about scale and how a cabinet or chest of drawers might sit in a smaller room;…

1 BUILD BANQUETTE SEATING Maximise space in a dining area with a built-in bench, which can also house deep drawers for storage. Fix a simple storage unit to a wall and make a cushioned back support and seat pad by covering foam-topped MDF or plywood with fabric. Use a pared-back colour palette and natural wood for a calming Scandi feel. 2 COSY UP A SOFA FOR AUTUMN Give your living room a refresh for the new season by adding layers of tactile textures, leafy prints and autumnal shades of ochre and steel blue. Fold a large throw or quilt in half and lay it vertically over the middle and back of your sofa. Repeat, making it narrower each time and then pile on a collection of cushions in complementary…

1. BOLD PATTERN Choose geometric zig-zags or stripes in monochrome tones to create a modern scheme. Set a statement headboard against a dark-painted wall and finish with pops of neon accessories and industrial-style lighting for a dramatic effect. A similar pendant light is Vintage Designer Pink light fitting, £8.50, B&Q. Try Zigzag bedspread, £183, Nordic Nest 2. LOCKER WARDROBE Plenty of storage is key to keeping clutter and mess at bay. Add a modern, locker-style wardrobe in a prominent spot and organise the interior with see-through boxes or wire baskets. Being able to shut things away behind closed doors will help the space feel tidy and clear. Mustard Made Twinny locker, £499, Rose & Grey 3. ARTWORK Adding photos and prints will give your teen a chance to personalise their…

HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Alison George, a homemaker, and her husband Russ, a builder, have lived here since 2019. THE PROPERTY A 1950s two-bedroom, two-storey, timber-clad chalet bungalow with separate annexe in Sussex. Looking for a specific dream property in a very contained area meant Alison and Russ took to patrolling the neighbourhood searching for a potential project. ‘We were looking to downsize from our Victorian home in Brighton to something beachside in nearby Shoreham,’ explains Alison. ‘Our vision was one that brought together the austere landscape of Dungeness and the elegance of architect John Lautner’s smart, single-storey house that featured in the movie A Single Man. Finding a house to match that vision was not so easy and beachside houses don’t come up often.’ The local estate agents…

PROJECT DETAILS WHO LIVES HERE? Louise and Mark Smith live here with their son, aged one, in a Victorian terrace in west London. THE PROJECT Kitchen refit as part of a ground floor, side return extension. TOTAL COST £40,000 THE PROBLEM The kitchen had no central heating, old gas appliances and needed rewiring THE SOLUTION ‘When we moved in there was a small, narrow kitchen and bathroom at the back of the house. We removed everything and extended out to the back and side to create a large kitchen and living space. We wanted to be part of the process and both our architects and kitchen designers The Main Company (maincompany.com) really listened to what we wanted, as well as bringing in suggestions. We chose classic Shaker-style cabinets as the…

A mezzanine can transform the internal space of your home, often solving the problem of how to add that extra sleeping, seating or office area you crave. All you need is a relatively high ceiling – the higher the better – and you can effectively create another level out of otherwise wasted space. ‘A mezzanine can be a fantastic addition to any home and one that I think more people should consider,’ says Julian McIntosh of Julian McIntosh Architects (julianmcintosharchitects.co.uk). ‘By using vertical space, it can provide more square footage, create an elevated vantage point and add a level of theatre to your living area. On the other hand, it can also offer privacy and separation.’ WHAT TYPES ARE THERE? ‘There are two types of mezzanine,’ explains Elizabeth Calder, founder…

Buying guide BEFORE YOU BUY ■ It sounds obvious, but size is a crucial factor to consider. Generally speaking, you’ll want the largest sofa your room and budget will allow, but measure very carefully to ensure your dream design is going to work in the space. A top tip is to measure out where the sofa will go using masking tape to mark its dimensions. As well as width, check the sofa’s height, especially if you want to place it under a window sill or existing architecture, and its depth, to ensure there is plenty of space to walk around it comfortably. ■ Don’t just measure the room – make sure the sofa will fit through doorways, around bending halls and up flights of stairs, too. Most retailers list packaging…

I enjoy bright colours for the happy hit of dopamine they provide, but if I’m in overwhelm territory and need to bring my stress levels down, it’s neutrals I’ll turn to. I love looking at rooms full of colour and clashing patterns, and these are often the ones that jump out at me when I’m browsing social media. Then I take a second to think about how the décor would make me feel if I were living in that space, and I realise I’d be left overstimulated, restless and on edge. I prefer a neutral backdrop (neutrals definitely don’t mean boring – my dark grey living room is anything but), and layer colour and pattern in smaller doses on soft furnishings and accessories. What do we even mean when we…

Soused Dover sole, broad bean & pea salad with a broad bean, pea & mint dip SERVES 4 READY IN 50 MINS, PLUS COOLING ● 2 Dover sole, about 500g each, skinned and heads removed● Drizzle of olive oil● 1 white onion, sliced● 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped● 175ml sherry vinegar ● 200ml white wine FOR THE BROAD BEAN, PEA & MINT DIP ● 300g broad beans, podded● 150g young peas, podded● Handful of fresh mint leaves ● 100g full-fat cream cheese ● 100g full-fat Greek yogurt ● Juice of 1 lime FOR THE SALAD ● 200g broad beans, podded● 200g peas, podded● 2 big handfuls of pea shoots● 20 mint leaves, sliced ● 2tbsp roughly chopped tarragon leaves● 4tbsp olive oil 1 First, make the dip. Bring a pan…

The TV and theatre actress lives in north-west London with her partner Tom, her daughters Florence, 14, and Marnie, 10, and their two dogs. WHAT’S THE FIRST THING YOU DO WHEN YOU GET HOME? I hug my kids and the dogs – or I may rush to the toilet. It depends on how much water I have been drinking. WHERE’S YOUR HAPPY PLACE IN YOUR HOUSE? I have my own private zen den which is the only room in the house with a lock! It’s my hideaway where I can work, meditate or do yoga and be left alone. WHAT’S YOUR FAVE HOMEWARE? I’m obsessed with candles and saucepans funnily enough. My favourite shop to buy homeware from has to be M&S - I think it’s because my gran loved…